Tag: worcester

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The Liège Waffle Obsession Reaches Park Ave with Blue Shades

Waffle selections at Blue Shades on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA.

If you want American waffles smothered in maple syrup, head to IHOP. But, if you want the kind of waffles that melt in your mouth with an airy sweetness which negates the need for maple, then visit Blue Shades to get a taste of authentic Liège waffles.

Blue Shades on Park Ave in Worcester, MAAn enormous inflatable waffle swings outside the Park Avenue entrance marking the First Liège Waffle Shop in Worcester, and we have to admit, we are all pretty excited.

Legend says the Prince of Liège’s chef made a thick waffle coated with caramelized sugar, a variety which went on to become one of the most celebrated waffles in all of Belgium. Then, in 1964, Belgian native, Maurice Vermersch, introduced Liège waffles to America at the World’s Fair in New York City; however, it took a few decades for the love affair between American food culture and Liège waffles to manifest. In fact, the Liège waffle craze has just begun to take off in Massachusetts.

Blue Shades on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA
Blue Shades on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

In New York, the food truck adaptation of the Liège waffle with Wafles & Dinges in Herald Square catapulted a special admiration for these sweet treats and became an epicenter for the Best Foods to Eat While on the Go.  While it has taken Worcester an additional number of years to catch up with this niche dish, the wait is finally over.

From authentic Liège waffle recipes comprised of a plain waffle and topped with powdered sugar to original creations like the California – a Liège waffle topped with avocado, cucumber and drizzled with a house-made “yummy sauce,” Blue Shades offers Worcester an Instagram-worthy, cult-like destination. Made-to-order, with a daily limit of 100 waffles, the Liège waffle of Blue Shades is quickly becoming a foodie attraction. The aroma that lingers in the air wafting out into Park Avenue will surely lure in passersby; locals will find it impossible to ignore this newcomer.   

In addition to becoming the first place in Worcester to focus on a specific niche dish expressed as a meal and not simply a dessert, Blue Shades is subsequently “food conscious” in offering a gluten-free Liège waffle. This attention to hospitality brings all foodies together despite food allergies and preferences. The gluten-free Liège waffle is as good as the original waffle, and for good reason. With ingredients imported from Belgium, including its requisite pearl sugar, Blue Shades adds a fresh sense of authenticity to each waffle and respectively, to the entirety of Worcester’s food scene.

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Living Earth Opens Healthy Grab-and-Go Section

Living Earth on Park Avenue in Worcester re-opens their Grab-and-Go offerings in expansion.

 

Grab-and-go is becoming an increasingly popular aspect of the Worcester’s lifestyle. With the latest expansion of the Living Earth Natural and Organic Foods Market, it comes as no surprise that a grab-and-go section is at the forefront.

First and foremost, the Living Earth Natural and Organic Foods Market is a grocery store focused on healthy food choices. As a family-owned business operating since 1971, the Living Earth has evolved its brand, established its reputation and has undergone a series of changes. However, with its consistent focus on providing a prominent level of healthy foods and rare finds, now they have taken their love of healthy meals a step further.

According to a study by Technomic, an annual growth rate of 10.4 percent between 2006 and 2014 launched the grocery store freshly prepared foods segment into the food industry’s group of highest performing subdivisions, allowing grocery stores to engage in the high-intensity customer movement.  Award-winning Living Earth now joins the movement with its fresh take on grab-and-go, offering a selection of ready-to-eat meals ranging from sandwiches and lighter options for lunch to fuller dinner options like chicken parmigiana and dessert selections including flourless chocolate cake.

“The Living Earth store has always been a local family run health food store that prides itself on being the originators of bringing healthy food to Worcester,” said Celeste Maykel-Zack, co-owner. “You can trust the items you buy to be free from artificial flavors, colors, toxic chemicals and any other harmful ingredients.” With a reputation spanning over 47 years, Living Earth is customer focused and remains attentive to the ever-changing life choices of their customers. “We are proud of the changes we have made as well as the new brands we have taken time to research and bring in to add to our shelves. Our vastly expanded gourmet grab-and-go section has been the change with the most impact to date. Shoppers, both new and returning, love the variety and the ease with which they can pop in for their organic coffee and muffin on the way to work, grab a healthy lunch on the run or pick up dinner for the family on their way home,” she said.

New grab-and-go features will include a hot breakfast selection, fresh juices, and nitro-brewed coffee, to name a few. In addition to the grab-and-go section, Living Earth has created a seating area along with a coffee section where customers can pick and bag their own coffee and espresso beans. “In addition to prepared meals, we want to give our customers an extra hand when it comes to stocking their pantries with healthy items,” said Maykel-Zack. “We are canning items such as soups and sauces in mason jars for our customers to enjoy at home.” With a wide range of products, Living Earth is the local health store that continues to surprise us over the years.